What if the most beautiful stories were also the most improbable?
“Welcome to Wrexham”
definitely falls into this category. Broadcast on Disney+, this documentary series traces the incredible story of two star American actors,
Ryan Reynolds
(
Deadpool
,
Free Guy
) and
Rob McElhenney
(
Lost
,
Fargo, Sunny
) who, in 2021, bought the Welsh football club Wrexham which vegetated in the 5th division of the United Kingdom.
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Neither of them is of Welsh origin and they know nothing about football. However, their love of this club, this city, its traditions and its inhabitants will lead them on a crazy adventure! For $2.5 million, the two Hollywood actors enter a new world. They are committed to perpetuating the club, modernizing its aging infrastructure and restoring sporting credibility to Wrexham AFC.
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The “Welcome to Wrexham” effect
Starting with the recruitment of a renowned coach, Phil Parkinson, who has worked with numerous clubs between the 2nd and 4th English divisions. This was followed by the transfers of strikers Paul Mullin and Ollie Palmer, who came from higher divisions to help Wrexham get back on track. The icing on the cake: Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney decide to film a documentary about their new club.
The FX channel (Fox-Disney Group) broadcasts the program, creating a fabulous buzz around Wrexham. Now, the small club from North Wales is known around the world with supporters from Brazil, Korea, Italy and the United States snapping up Wrexham AFC jerseys and other goodies. Prestigious sponsors like TikTok, Expedia, United, VistaPrint, Aviation American Gin and Four Walls (Rob McElhenney's whiskey brand) are also flocking to the industrial city of 50,000 inhabitants. The “Welcome to Wrexham” effect is in full swing.
Wrexham club owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. FX/Disney+
King Charles and Camilla visit Wrexham
After a first season during which Wrexham narrowly failed to advance to the 4th division, season 2 promises to be exciting with the arrival of new reinforcements in the team, goalkeeper Mark Howard and striker Elliot Lee . The stadium is full from the start of the season as Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, the club's owners, prepare to welcome King Charles III.
The formal politeness course they receive before this visit is worth all the sketches in the world. Behind the scenes, the Wrexham club is working hard to obtain a grant of 20 million pounds to rebuild part of their legendary Racecourse Ground stadium. A race against time which launches this second season perfectly.
King Charles III visits the Wrexham club in season 2. FX / Disney+
In the tradition of “Sunderland, against all odds” (Netflix), “Welcome to Wrexham” treats us to authentic football, far from the standards of the prestigious Champions League. It is this modesty of a historic club created in 1864 in an industrial town committed to its cause that conquers the hearts of the public.
Beyond the adventures of the two Hollywood stars, their return trips between Los Angeles and Wales or their video meetings with the club staff, it is above all the characters of Wrexham who hit the mark. From star player Paul Mullin, father of a little autistic boy, to Wayne, the owner of the bar next to the stadium; including the coach Phil Parkinson (whose numerous oral “
Fuckings”
are recorded on the screen), the mayor of the city or even Millie Tripping, the disabled teenager and number 1 fan of the club, all exude an immense benevolence and attract attention.
But the documentary does not forget the soul of the Wrexham club: the supporters. Whether they are excited, drunk, funny, tender or moving, they pepper the series with a rare authenticity, tirelessly proclaiming their love for this century-old club which has always been at the center of their lives.
With its sober production, its impeccable editing and its brilliant protagonists, it's impossible not to become attached to this series as funny as it is moving in which laughter follows tears in the space of one episode. A real little gem that it would be criminal to miss.
“Welcome to Wrexham”: two seasons available on Disney+.